Flights: You can fly indirectly to Barbados from Dublin. Direct flights from Dublin are due to become available in 2026.

Passport/visa requirements: Irish holidaymakers only need a valid passport beyond the duration of their stay and an onward or return ticket to enter Barbados. No visa is required for Irish visitors but everyone must complete an Immigration and Customs electronic form prior to arrival in Barbados.

Packing essentials:Light summer clothes and flip-flops or sandals are ideal, but avoid dark colours that absorb the heat.

As one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean, Barbados has so much more to do than simply lying around on white sandy beaches (though this is a very acceptable pastime on your Caribbean getaway). There is an abundance of fun activities to enjoy during your stay, including water sports, island safaris, boat tours, rum sampling, shopping and much more!

Getting Sporty

If you aren't tempted to watch the island’s favourite sport of cricket at Bridgetown’s Kensington Oval, then maybe you’d prefer to try some of the thrilling water sports on offer, such as kayaking, water skiing and stand-up paddle boarding.

If you visit The Soup Bowl at Bathsheba on the east coast of the island, you can enjoy some of the very best surfing in the region thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean. You can also watch national and international surfing competitions on a regular basis. In total, the island has 35 surf breaks, so you’ll never be far away from a suitable beach!

There are also several famous shipwrecks off the coast of Barbados, which makes the area ideal for a scuba diving holiday. You can enjoy the reefs of Maycocks Bay, Shark Bank and Bell Buoy near Accra Beach, or you might be more interested in checking out the wrecks of The Pamir, Friars Crag and Stavronikita. If neither option takes your fancy, then you can also simply stick around the Bay of Carlisle to explore the four wrecks in this area instead. You’ll also discover the Carlisle Bay Marine Park here, which is home to a myriad of exotic sea life like turtles, angelfish, trunkfish and barracudas.

Retail Therapy

If the need to shop strikes, you may want to be in close proximity to one of the more built-up and bustling areas of the island such as Bridgetown, Holetown or Speightstown

The Cave Shepherd Mall is the largest department store in the Caribbean and has many great offers on leading high street products and brands. Situated in the heart of Bridgetown you’re likely to find all kinds of presents for family, friends and, most importantly, yourself.

Limegrove Lifestyle Centre can be found near Holetown and is known for having the best range of duty-free products on offer. Whether it’s fashion, cosmetics or health and beauty that you’re into, you’re certain to find it all here, as well as superb food and beverage options.

For a more traditional Caribbean experience, head to the local markets early alongside other islanders to browse the exotic and colourful fruits, unique handmade crafts and budget-friendly clothing.

Explore the Island

There are plenty of tours for you to make the most of while on your Barbados holiday, especially those that will allow you to see more of the island.

The Barbados Full-Day Coast To Coast Tour is a wonderful six-hour-long immersion into authentic island life. An expert guide will regale you with the history and culture of Barbados as you traverse the varying picturesque landscapes. Sit back and relax as you're taken on a personalised excursion to highlights such as Speightstown, Holetown and Bathsheba.

There is also the Atlantis Submarine Tour, where you can see aquatic life like never before. This tour is a fantastic way to see the depths of the Atlantic Ocean if you aren’t keen on snorkelling and scuba diving or if you’re on a magical family holiday with young children. You can even opt for this tour at night too in hopes of spotting some rare nocturnal creatures of the deep.

For those who would rather stay firmly on dry land with a drink in hand, you can visit the Mount Gay Rum Visitors Centre, in Bridgetown, to sample some of Barbados’ most famous export and learn more about the history of plantations in the Caribbean.

Delve into the History of Barbados

For the history buffs travelling to the Caribbean, there are plenty of attractions for you to visit that will immerse you in the island’s deep-rooted heritage.

Why not visit Andrews Sugar Factory to find out how important the sugar trade has been in the history of Barbados? Or perhaps you could visit the Nidhe Israel Synagogue Museum in Bridgetown to uncover the cultural significance of the area and learn more about the religious heritage of the island. George Washington House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also located in Bridgetown, offers lush gardens and an insight into the life of the first President of the United States.

There are plenty of beaches to choose from in Barbados depending on whether you would prefer to lie back and relax or dive into the turquoise waters and go for a swim.

Miami Beach on the south coast is a superb choice for those who want the best of both worlds; an exposed portion of beach perfect for swimming and surfing. A favourite with locals and tourists alike, there is also a sheltered part for children to relax in.

Also situated on the south coast is Accra Beach, which is a curved stretch of white sand that stays shallow for a fair distance, meaning it is good for small children. There are also options for surfing and sunbathing depending on your mood for the day.

Situated on the west coast is Gibbes Beach, a stunning stretch of sand where many of the island’s best villas are. Its popularity derives from the water, which is renowned for being simply perfect to swim in. This beach is a lot quieter than most given that no resorts are located next to it, making it ideal for a relaxing dip.

Crane Beach is on the south-east coast, next to the luxury Crane Resort, and is another of Barbados’ most beautiful stretches to visit thanks to its pink-hued sand. What’s more, it’s also a great spot for surfing.

Destination2’s travel experts are specialists in curating unforgettable, one-of-kind holidays to Barbados. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly escape to this sun-soaked Caribbean island or a tranquil adult-only getaway in paradise, we’ll use our wealth of knowledge to find the best hotels for you.

• Destination2 offers a wide variety of luxury hotels at prices to suit all tastes and budgets.
• Our main goal is to provide you with the best deals and savings on your Barbados holiday. Our Price Match Promise means that if you find a lower-priced package holiday with one of our competitors, we’ll try hard to beat it!*
• Call our Barbados travel specialists and book today on 01244 604 623.